Finding my voice

April is Autism Awareness Month. For those who have an autistic loved one, every day is about understanding autism.

Today is my brother’s birthday. He’s 47. Since we didn’t grow up together, I don’t speak much about him. In my early twenties, I began therapy as I had much anxiety about the future and the immense responsibility of being his caregiver once my parents died. Therapy was a journey towards finding my voice and living in my truth. I’ve tucked away an unfinished book about the obligation/love of a sibling for her older brother whom she’s never known, except through old family photos and occasional trips to the Philippines. And I’m still on that journey.

I am tenderly sensitive to those living with autism — parents, siblings, and those who have autism.